Miané Smit notches up maiden ODI 50 in front of family

The 20-year-old was unbeaten for 56 as South Africa chased down the visitors’ 209 at Buffalo Park, her first milestone in her first home match for the national team.

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Smit – who was the traveling reserve for the Proteas Women at the recent ICC Women’s World Cup – says she had several members of her family present at the venue to witness the special moment.

"It meant a lot, it’s a great opportunity. I love every second playing for the Proteas. It was such a cool game to be a part of, and my first home game. My parents were here, I know my family was also watching. Praise the Lord," said Smit.

Smit combined with veteran Suné Luus for ground record 125 fourth wicket partnership, with the latter posting 66* in a Player of The Match performance. She says it was even more special to achieve the milestone alongside one of her closest friends in the team.

"She played a massive role. When I came in the first 15 it was so tense but she gets me calm. She is one of my best friends in the team. It was good to achieve a 100 partnership with her," added Smit.

The youngster came in to bat at number five, which was a surprise with Dané van Niekerk initially in that position. She says she had to make the most of the opportunity to bat up the order.

"One of my goals was to be more of an all rounder in the team. So when I got the chance to bowl, I knew I had to make use of the opportunity. I was supposed to be at 6 and went to the changing room and came in at 5 - I thought this is my opportunity now. I am grateful I could help the team to win," she expressed.

Coach Mandla Mashimbyi mentioned before the series that he would give more young players a chance to prove themselves, and Smit was one such beneficiary of that. She believes it will be beneficial for them to be playing among the most experienced players at such a tender age.